TRV
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 26:6–9.
To recommend wisdom to us, and to quicken us to the diligent use of all the means for the getting of wisdom, Solomon here shows that fools are fit for nothing; they are either sottish men, who will never think and design at all, or vicious men, who will never think and design well. 1. They are not fit to be entrusted with any business, not fit to go on an errand (Pro 26:6): He that does but send a message by the hand of a fool, of a careless heedless person, one who is so full of his jests and so given to his pleasures that he cannot apply his mind to any thing that is serious, will find his message misunderstood, the one half of it forgotten, the rest awkwardly delivered, and so many blunders made about it that he might as well have cut off his legs, that is, never have sent him. Nay, he will drink damage; it will be very much to his prejudice to have employed such a one, who, instead of bringing him a good account of his affairs, will abuse him and put a trick upon him; for, in Solomon's language, a knave and a fool are of the same signification. It will turn much to a man's disgrace to make use of the service of a fool, for people will be apt to judge of the master by his messenger. 2. They are not fit to have any honour put upon them. He had said (Pro 26:1), Honour is not seemly for a fool; here he shows that it is lost and thrown away upon him, as if a man should throw a precious stone, or a stone fit to be used in weighing, into a heap of common stones, where it would be buried and of no use; it is as absurd as if a man should dress up a stone in purple (so others); nay, it is dangerous, it is like a stone bound in a sling, with which a man will be likely to do hurt. To give honour to a fool is to put a sword in a madman's hand, with which we know not what mischief he may do, even to those that put it into his hand. 3. They are not fit to deliver wise sayings, nor should they undertake to handle any matter of weight, though they should be instructed concerning it, and be able to say something to it. Wise sayings, as a foolish man delivers them and applies them (in such a manner that one may know he does not rightly understand them), lose their excellency and usefulness: A parable in the mouth of fools ceases to be a parable, and becomes a jest. If a man who lives a wicked life, yet speaks religiously and takes God's covenant into his mouth, (1.) He does but shame himself and his profession: As the legs of the lame are not equal, by reason of which their going is unseemly, so unseemly is it for a fool to pretend to speak apophthegms, and give advice, and for a man to talk devoutly whose conversation is a constant contradiction to his talk and gives him the lie. His good words raise him up, but then his bad life takes him down, and so his legs are not equal. "A wise saying," (says bishop Patrick) "doth as ill become a fool as dancing doth a cripple; for, as his lameness never so much appears as when he would seem nimble, so the other's folly is never so ridiculous as when he would seem wise." As therefore it is best for a lame man to keep his seat, so it is best for a silly man, or a bad man, to hold his tongue. (2.) He does but do mischief with it to himself and others, as a drunkard does with a thorn, or any other sharp thing which he takes in his hand, with which he tears himself and those about him, because he knows not how to manage it. Those that talk well and do not live well, their good words will aggravate their own condemnation and others will be hardened by their inconsistency with themselves. Some give this sense of it: The sharpest saying, by which a sinner, one would think, should be pricked to the heart, makes no more impression upon a fool, no, though it come out of his own mouth, than the scratch of a thorn does upon the hand of a man when he is drunk, who then feels it not nor complains of it, Pro 23:35.
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Summary
Proverbs 26:6 delivers a potent warning about the self-destructive consequences of entrusting significant responsibilities or messages to an unreliable and unwise individual. The proverb employs vivid imagery to illustrate that such a delegation is akin to deliberately crippling one's own efforts and inviting personal harm, underscoring the critical importance of discernment in choosing those to whom one delegates.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 26 is a collection of sayings primarily focused on the nature and dangers of "fools" (Hebrew: kᵉçîyl, ʾĕwîl, nābāl) and sluggards, contrasting their characteristics and outcomes with those of the wise. This particular verse, along with others like the caution that honor is not fitting for a fool and the comparison of a whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool's back, contributes to a sustained critique of folly. It fits within the broader structure of Proverbs as practical wisdom for navigating relationships and making prudent decisions, often using striking metaphors to convey its truths. The immediate context of the chapter emphasizes the futility and peril of engaging with or relying upon those who lack discernment and integrity.
Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Near Eastern societies, messengers played a crucial role in communication, especially over distances. Messages, whether diplomatic, commercial, or personal, were often conveyed orally or via written scrolls carried by trusted individuals. The swiftness, accuracy, and integrity of the messenger were paramount, as their failure could lead to misunderstanding, loss, or even conflict. A "fool" (kᵉçîyl) in this context is not merely unintelligent but one who is morally deficient, obstinate, and resistant to wisdom, making them inherently untrustworthy for such vital tasks. The imagery of "cutting off the feet" and "drinking damage" would have resonated deeply in a culture where physical movement was essential for commerce and survival, and where personal reputation and well-being were directly tied to one's choices and associations.
Key Themes
This proverb powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive in the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the consequences of poor judgment and delegation, asserting that entrusting important tasks to an incompetent or untrustworthy person inevitably leads to failure and harm, directly impacting the sender. Secondly, it sheds light on the nature of folly, implying that a "fool" is someone who cannot be relied upon for matters requiring discretion, responsibility, or understanding, a concept further explored in passages like Proverbs 10:23, which states that the folly of a fool is like sport. Lastly, the proverb emphasizes self-inflicted harm, vividly portraying that the negative outcomes are directly absorbed by the sender, who suffers the bitter repercussions of their own unwise choice, a principle also seen in warnings against laziness or sin, as in Proverbs 13:15, where the way of transgressors is hard.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H3684) denotes someone who is not merely lacking in intelligence but is morally and spiritually obtuse, stubborn, and resistant to wisdom and instruction. Unlike the simpleton who is naive, the kᵉçîyl actively chooses folly and rejects prudent counsel, making them inherently unreliable and dangerous for any task requiring discernment or integrity.
From the root H7096, meaning "to cut off" or "to destroy." In this context, it signifies a severe, deliberate act of severing or disabling. Applied to "the feet" (H7272), it implies rendering something useless, hindering progress, or completely incapacitating the means of movement or advancement, thereby sabotaging one's own efforts.
This word (H2555) refers to violence, wrong, injustice, or unjust gain. Here, it implies the harmful, injurious, or destructive consequences that result from the unwise action. The "damage" is not merely inconvenience but a significant, often painful, detriment or loss experienced by the sender, a direct result of their poor judgment.
Verse Breakdown
"He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool"
This clause establishes the unwise action. The "message" (dâbâr, H1697) signifies something of importance, a "word" or "matter" that requires careful handling and accurate conveyance. To send it "by the hand" (yâd, H3027) of a "fool" (kᵉçîyl, H3684) means to delegate a crucial task to someone utterly unqualified, untrustworthy, or incapable of executing it properly due to their inherent folly, stubbornness, or lack of moral integrity.
"cutteth off the feet"
This vivid metaphor describes the immediate and severe consequence for the sender. Just as cutting off one's own feet renders movement impossible and progress halted, so entrusting a vital message or task to a fool cripples the sender's own efforts, progress, and ability to achieve their desired outcome. It signifies self-sabotage, the complete undermining of one's objectives, and the deliberate incapacitation of one's own means to succeed.
"[and] drinketh damage"
This second metaphorical phrase reinforces the bitter, inescapable outcome. To "drink" (shâthâh, H8354) something implies full, unavoidable ingestion and experience, suggesting that the consequences are deeply internalized and cannot be avoided. The "damage" (châmâç, H2555) is the harmful, injurious, or violent consequence that the sender must personally absorb. It emphasizes that the negative repercussions are not external or incidental but are fully experienced and borne by the one who made the foolish delegation, highlighting the personal cost of poor judgment.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 26:6 employs striking Metaphor and Hyperbole to convey its message with vivid intensity. The act of "cutting off the feet" is a powerful metaphor for self-sabotage and rendering oneself immobile or ineffective, vividly illustrating the crippling effect of poor delegation. Similarly, "drinketh damage" is a metaphor for fully internalizing and suffering the painful, injurious consequences of one's unwise choices. The intensity of these images also leans into Hyperbole, exaggerating the negative outcome to underscore the severity of the warning and to make the proverb memorable and impactful. The verse also exhibits the characteristic Parallelism common in Proverbs, where two distinct but related images ("cutteth off the feet" and "drinketh damage") are used to express a single, unified truth about the dire consequences of entrusting vital matters to a fool.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This proverb underscores a profound theological principle: choices have consequences, and wisdom in delegation is a form of responsible stewardship within God's created order. It highlights God's established design where discernment leads to flourishing, and folly to ruin. The "fool" in Proverbs is not just intellectually deficient but morally and spiritually rebellious, actively rejecting God's wisdom and instruction. Therefore, entrusting vital matters to such a person is not merely a practical error but a spiritual misalignment, as it ignores the divine call to prudence and discernment in all relationships and endeavors. The "damage" incurred is a natural, often self-inflicted, outcome of operating outside of God's wise principles, demonstrating that the consequences of folly are often unavoidable and directly borne by the one who makes the unwise choice.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 26:6 serves as a timeless cautionary tale for every sphere of life where trust and delegation are involved. It compels us to exercise profound discernment in choosing those to whom we entrust important tasks, sensitive information, or significant responsibilities. Whether in a professional setting, a church ministry, or even within personal relationships, the proverb warns that overlooking character, competence, or integrity in favor of convenience, misplaced loyalty, or a desire to avoid confrontation will inevitably lead to detrimental outcomes. It challenges us to reflect on our own judgment in delegation, urging us to consider not only a person's willingness but also their wisdom, reliability, and moral character. The "damage" we drink is often the bitter fruit of our own unwise choices, reminding us that true wisdom involves foresight, a commitment to integrity in all our dealings, and a humble reliance on God's guidance to make sound decisions.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "cutteth off the feet" mean in this proverb?
The phrase "cutteth off the feet" is a vivid metaphor for self-sabotage and rendering oneself utterly ineffective. Just as a person cannot move or make progress without their feet, entrusting a vital "message" or task to a "fool" (someone lacking wisdom, integrity, and reliability) completely undermines the sender's own efforts and objectives. It means that the sender, by their unwise choice of messenger, directly causes their own failure, hindering their ability to achieve their goals or advance their cause. It implies a crippling of one's own endeavors, making success impossible.
Who is considered a "fool" in the Book of Proverbs?
In the Book of Proverbs, a "fool" (Hebrew: kᵉçîyl, among other terms) is not merely someone who lacks intelligence or education. More profoundly, a fool is characterized by a moral and spiritual deficiency. They are individuals who reject wisdom, scorn instruction, are resistant to correction, and often act impulsively or stubbornly without regard for consequences or God's ways. They prefer their own foolishness to the path of righteousness and are often marked by pride, laziness, and a lack of self-control. This makes them unreliable and dangerous, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, which states that "fools despise wisdom and instruction", and Proverbs 17:12, which warns that it is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 26:6, with its stark warning against the folly of misplacing trust, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound contrast in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb highlights the self-inflicted damage of delegating to a fool, Christ embodies perfect wisdom and reliability, making Him the only one truly worthy of all trust and delegation. Unlike the fool who "cutteth off the feet" and "drinketh damage" for the sender, Jesus, the very Wisdom of God, was perfectly sent by the Father to accomplish His divine message of salvation. He perfectly executed His mission, not crippling the Father's purpose, but fully establishing it. Furthermore, in an astonishing reversal of the proverb's imagery, Jesus did not cause damage for those who sent Him, but rather, He Himself "drank damage"—the bitter cup of God's wrath and the full measure of human sin and suffering on the cross (Matthew 26:39). He bore the ultimate "damage" and was "cut off" from the land of the living (Isaiah 53:8) not for His own folly, but for the folly and sin of humanity. By His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, He ensures that those who place their trust in Him will not "cut off their feet" but will find the path to eternal life and true flourishing, for He is indeed the way, the truth, and the life.